FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 18, 2022
April 18, 2022
BZZZZ…..FIGHT THE BITE!
MOSQUITO AND WEST NILE VIRUS AWARENESS WEEK IS HERE
ELK GROVE, Calif. Spring is in the air and so are mosquitoes! The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District announces Mosquito and West Nile Virus Awareness Week, April 17-23. This week kicks off the District’s public information and education campaign to keep residents aware about the health risks associated with mosquitoes. As temperatures warm up and people spend more time outside, it’s important for everyone to take precautions and protect themselves from mosquito transmitted diseases. “Mosquito Awareness Week is an excellent opportunity for our communities to learn more about mosquitoes and how they can stay safe from diseases such as West Nile virus,” said District Manager Gary Goodman. “This year the weather has already been warm and conditions are perfect for mosquitoes to thrive,” indicated Goodman. The District urges residents to do their part in preventing mosquitoes around their home. “At least once a week remember to look around your yard and drain any water from flowerpots, bird baths, tires, dog dishes and other small sources where water can accumulate and become a breeding source for mosquitoes. Reducing mosquitoes now, will go a long way later in the season,” emphasized Goodman.
Mosquitoes continue to pose serious public health risks as they can transmit debilitating diseases such as West Nile virus. Last year in California, there were 128 confirmed human cases including 12 fatalities. Also of concern is the invasive mosquito Aedes aegypti which was first detected in 2019 within District boundaries and has slowly been spreading to different areas. In 2021 invasive mosquitoes were found for the first time in the city of Sacramento, Elk Grove and new areas of Sacramento County. Invasive mosquitoes have also been found in the city of Winters in Yolo County. Aedes aegypti pose a significant health threat because they are capable of transmitting dangerous viruses including Zika, dengue fever and chikungunya
WHO: The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District
WHAT: Activities for Mosquito and West Nile Virus Awareness Week
WHEN:
Wednesday, April 20 — Announcement of the annual Fight the Bite contest winners
Friday, April 22–Annual Repellent Distribution to organizations that serve the homeless
MOSQUITO AND WEST NILE VIRUS AWARENESS WEEK IS HERE
ELK GROVE, Calif. Spring is in the air and so are mosquitoes! The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District announces Mosquito and West Nile Virus Awareness Week, April 17-23. This week kicks off the District’s public information and education campaign to keep residents aware about the health risks associated with mosquitoes. As temperatures warm up and people spend more time outside, it’s important for everyone to take precautions and protect themselves from mosquito transmitted diseases. “Mosquito Awareness Week is an excellent opportunity for our communities to learn more about mosquitoes and how they can stay safe from diseases such as West Nile virus,” said District Manager Gary Goodman. “This year the weather has already been warm and conditions are perfect for mosquitoes to thrive,” indicated Goodman. The District urges residents to do their part in preventing mosquitoes around their home. “At least once a week remember to look around your yard and drain any water from flowerpots, bird baths, tires, dog dishes and other small sources where water can accumulate and become a breeding source for mosquitoes. Reducing mosquitoes now, will go a long way later in the season,” emphasized Goodman.
Mosquitoes continue to pose serious public health risks as they can transmit debilitating diseases such as West Nile virus. Last year in California, there were 128 confirmed human cases including 12 fatalities. Also of concern is the invasive mosquito Aedes aegypti which was first detected in 2019 within District boundaries and has slowly been spreading to different areas. In 2021 invasive mosquitoes were found for the first time in the city of Sacramento, Elk Grove and new areas of Sacramento County. Invasive mosquitoes have also been found in the city of Winters in Yolo County. Aedes aegypti pose a significant health threat because they are capable of transmitting dangerous viruses including Zika, dengue fever and chikungunya
WHO: The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District
WHAT: Activities for Mosquito and West Nile Virus Awareness Week
WHEN:
Monday, April 18 —
Official kick off of the District’s public information and education campaignWednesday, April 20 — Announcement of the annual Fight the Bite contest winners
Friday, April 22–Annual Repellent Distribution to organizations that serve the homeless
Practice the District D’s of Mosquito Prevention:
DRAIN standing water that may produce mosquitoes.
DAWN and DUSK are times to avoid being outdoors.
DRESS appropriately be wearing long sleeves and pants when outside.
DEFEND yourself by using an effective insect repellent. Make sure to follow label directions!
DOOR and window screens should be in good working condition.
DISTRICT personnel are also available to address any mosquito problems. Call us at 1-800-429-1022 or visit www.FIGHTtheBITE.net
